Memorial Stadium, Football Field, and Track
Memorial Stadium has been "Home of the Wildcats" since 1931 when the college purchased 11 acres of land for athletic fields. The football stadium features the newly renovated Wildcat Press Box, and a state-of-the-art Strength and Conditioning Center inside the stadium.The grandstand was constructed in 1933. The stadium was officially designated Memorial Stadium in 1944 following World War II in honor of the Wayne State students who served in the war.
The main stadium has seating for 2,500 fans. It also houses a press box and concession stand. In 1992, a message board was installed along with a new crown and irrigation system to the playing surface. In the fall of 2010, the stadium had new chair back seats installed in the middle three sections of the west stadium bleachers while the remaining bleacher seats in the west stadium were also replaced. In 2011, a video/scoreboard was installed on the north end of the stadium.
Bob Cunningham Field
Bob Cunningham Field was named in 1993 for the Wayne State three-sport Hall of Fame standout (1936-39). The field saw major changes in 2003 as a new eight-lane running track was added, along with new restrooms and storage facilities along the southwest corner of the stadium. New lights were also installed during the extensive remodeling project. Named the Bebee Entrance Plaza, the new restroom and storage area features heated restrooms that are handicap accessible.
More improvements were made to Bob Cunningham Field during the summer of 2013 as synthetic turf replaced the natural grass surface as part of a $1.3 million project that included the resurfacing of the track. New goal posts were also installed on the field at this time.
Dr. LeRoy Simpson Track
In 2011, the track at Bob Cunningham Field/Memorial Stadium was named in honor of Dr. LeRoy Simpson recognition of his generous support of Wayne State College and for his dedication to the academic and athletic success of students during his more than 30 years of teaching and coaching at Wayne State College.
Simpson came to Wayne State in 1968 as an associate professor of human performance and leisure studies and athletic director. He was the track and field and cross country coach from 1968 to 1997. He started the women's track program at WSC, and he was inducted into the Sioux City Relays Hall of Fame in 2009. Simpson earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Kansas State College in Pittsburg, Kan., and Ed.D. from the University of Arkansas. He was a mentor to 16 eagle scouts and was a scoutmaster in Wayne. Simpson has always been committed to coaching young men and women in athletic competition and in life. Many of the Wayne State College alumni still refer to him as "coach" and value his advice and friendship. Simpson passed away in 2011 following a courageous battle with leukemia at the age of 76.
The track and field has hosted the Northern Sun Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships (2006 and 2008) and area high school track and field meets each spring.